Home Farm, book by Julian Strauss
My dad has written his autobiography!
Home Farm, a newly released book by veterinarian, farmer, and artist Julian Strauss offers a deeply personal and historical look at rural life, and the evolution of farming over generations. Home Farm spans over 350 pages and features 290 photos and illustrations weaving together memoir, history, and practical farming knowledge to paint a vivid portrait of a life deeply rooted in the land.
At the heart of Home Farm is the story of Julian’s father, who fled Nazi Germany in 1936 and purchased 284 acres in Amenia. The land, continuously farmed since 1767, is the backdrop and basis for Julian’s lifelong connection to agriculture. Though his early career as a veterinarian and researcher took him across the world, Julian has spent the last 40-plus years farming, working as a local vet, maple syrup producer, and self-described tinkerer/artist, contributing to a vibrant rural community.
A unique highlight of Home Farm is its integration of a meticulously kept 1867 work diary of a neighboring farmer. Julian expands on these historical entries with his own diary reflections, commentary, poetry, and practical farming insights. Readers will find in-depth discussions on fence-building, machinery care, tool use, and the importance of good neighboring—timeless skills that have shaped farm life for centuries.
With warmth, charm, and fascinating local photographs, Home Farm captures the evolution of American agriculture from the 1800s to the present, making it a valuable read for history enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates the rhythms of rural life. Local residents unfamiliar with the local history of the Amenia-Millerton-Leedsville-Troutbeck-Amenia Union-South Amenia, Wassaic-Smithfield area, will find many surprises here.
About the Author
Julian Strauss is a veterinarian, farmer, artist, and writer who has spent decades immersed in agrarian life. His experiences span global veterinary research to hands-on farm work in Dutchess County New York, where he continues to engage with the land and its history. His previous book, A Day in the Life, was published in 2008.
DOMESTIC SHIPPING ONLY
My dad has written his autobiography!
Home Farm, a newly released book by veterinarian, farmer, and artist Julian Strauss offers a deeply personal and historical look at rural life, and the evolution of farming over generations. Home Farm spans over 350 pages and features 290 photos and illustrations weaving together memoir, history, and practical farming knowledge to paint a vivid portrait of a life deeply rooted in the land.
At the heart of Home Farm is the story of Julian’s father, who fled Nazi Germany in 1936 and purchased 284 acres in Amenia. The land, continuously farmed since 1767, is the backdrop and basis for Julian’s lifelong connection to agriculture. Though his early career as a veterinarian and researcher took him across the world, Julian has spent the last 40-plus years farming, working as a local vet, maple syrup producer, and self-described tinkerer/artist, contributing to a vibrant rural community.
A unique highlight of Home Farm is its integration of a meticulously kept 1867 work diary of a neighboring farmer. Julian expands on these historical entries with his own diary reflections, commentary, poetry, and practical farming insights. Readers will find in-depth discussions on fence-building, machinery care, tool use, and the importance of good neighboring—timeless skills that have shaped farm life for centuries.
With warmth, charm, and fascinating local photographs, Home Farm captures the evolution of American agriculture from the 1800s to the present, making it a valuable read for history enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates the rhythms of rural life. Local residents unfamiliar with the local history of the Amenia-Millerton-Leedsville-Troutbeck-Amenia Union-South Amenia, Wassaic-Smithfield area, will find many surprises here.
About the Author
Julian Strauss is a veterinarian, farmer, artist, and writer who has spent decades immersed in agrarian life. His experiences span global veterinary research to hands-on farm work in Dutchess County New York, where he continues to engage with the land and its history. His previous book, A Day in the Life, was published in 2008.
DOMESTIC SHIPPING ONLY